Thursday, November 11, 2010

Travel Approval!!

My emotions are so mixed up right now! We received travel approval today for Alexis and Sophia! Woo-hoo! The news we've been working for ever since we saw their sweet little faces so long ago! However, we were hoping, hoping, hoping to leave next week, or at least by Thanksgiving. Instead, it looks like we'll be leaving on December 1st or 8th, depending on when we can secure a consulate appointment. Ugh. I know it's only a week or two difference, but there were many reasons (including work, school, finances, holidays, dance recitals, basketball, etc) why November would have been better.

Anyway... I know I need to just shake it off! I know this is ridiculous to feel even a little bummed. There is so much to be excited about!! We're finally going to get to hold our darling new little daughters. (:(:(: We have waited so long and it's almost here! And come January, Lexi and Sophi will be here with us regardless of when we traveled. So exciting, right??!!!

Hi there. I have been following your blog for quite a while now and really love your family's story. I can understand your anxiety about travelling at a time that puts extra stress on all of you. I think that sometimes we get so hung up in adoption about getting our child at the soonest possible moment that we forget there are options. We have three born in China children in our family as well as three born in Canada children. We try to balance everyone's needs when making decisions and the truth is that sometimes the needs of the children currently under our roof are the ones we consider most when making a decision of when to travel. With one of our adoptions we simply told our agency that we would not be able to travel for a month later than what our TA allowed us to. It was no problem and did not mean that we loved our daughter waiting in China any less, it just meant that we were being practical about what everyone involved in the situation needed. I can say that I firmly believe that it did not make one ounce of difference to her that we met her a month later than we could have, and in fact it made her home coming so much more pleasant because going a month later meant that she come home at a time that was so much calmer and when we could focus our energies on her and what she needed. Although I don't think it is what Terynn meant when she said it won't matter a bit in 90 days, but she is right, it won't matter a bit, so travel when you feel the time is right for your whole family. Your little girls are not thinking about their adoptions the way you are, they will wait for you. Your children here are the ones who will remember the missed dance recitals and the frantic confusion of a Christmas season that involved just a few too many things happening at once. You can probably tell that I am very practical. I love God and orphans and big families, but I also believe that God gave me a good brain to use and figure out what will make things work best for my whole family, not only a precious new addition. Whatever you decide, God bless you and keep you on this most exicting adventure. Thanks so much for sharing it with the rest of us.

Ooh, I am impressed with the way Anonymous thinks. Very wise advice . . . and worth some consideration. As for me, I am thrilled to accompany you anytime you are ready. As you know, my schedule is super flexible, and I just feel so blessed that you invited me to be of help. And, personally, I am anxious to "get going." But I tend to think that in the rush to embrace these two new beautiful additions to our family, we may unintentionally overlook the needs of the beautiful children already at home. So, if you should decide it would take some pressure off you to go in January instead of December, I will be just fine with that decision. In any event, I trust and love and admire the both of you and will support you in whatever decision you make. Love, Dad.

Meet Conner and Cali

When we fell in love 15 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.

Jeremy and Christianne

Taylor Jeremy--16

Parker Matthew--14

The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!

Jessica Anne "Jesi"--12

Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves dress-ups and tea parties, reading, playing with her siblings, and snuggling. She sparkles!

Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004

Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!

Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005

Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!

Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--10

Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and Mommy's arms, she brings joy to all who know her!!

Gracelin Kate "Graci"--17

Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!

Alexander Philip "Xander"--10

With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. Adopted at age 4 from China, he loves having a family, eating junk-food, and playing with his many friends!

Alexis Li "Lexi"--10

Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home three years from China!!

Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--6

Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is beautiful, smart, and coy. She can do amazing things with her little toes and we think she's about the cutest thing on the planet! Welcome home, baby girl!

Calais Rose "Cali"--14

Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way.

Conner Allen-- 15

Meet our newest addition! Wu Jia Xia is from Wuhan City in China. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. More importantly, we are told he is sweet, compassionate, hard working and ready for a FAMILY of his own. We can't wait to get our arms around you, Conner!